Many of California's lightouses are not of the classic tall tower type - there is simply no need for an expensive tower if the light can be placed on a clifftop or bluff. In fact, several lighthouses were originally located too high, up in the fog layer, and had to be moved down.

Point Cabrillo Ligthouse resembles a small church, with the tower at the end of the fog signal building. It is accompanied by residences for the head ligthouse keeper and two assistant keepers, all of them original and restored. Everything, including a generous amount of adjacent land, belongs to the state park. All three residences are available for overnight rental.>